Frequently asked questions about adoption
Can I adopt if
:
I am over 40 or
older?
Yes. There is no upper age limit. The key question is can you provide a stable home for a child until adulthood and beyond? People of all ages can and do successfully adopt. You do have to be over 21.
Yes. There is no upper age limit. The key question is can you provide a stable home for a child until adulthood and beyond? People of all ages can and do successfully adopt. You do have to be over 21.
I'm not
married?
Yes. Single people and unmarried couples can adopt.
Yes. Single people and unmarried couples can adopt.
I am
unemployed?
Yes. We approve people from every walk of life as long as you
can meet the general living costs of a child.
I work
full-time?
Yes. As long as you can provide space and time to meet the children's needs. This is especially important when the children are young, most children need a lengthy 'settling in' period.
Yes. As long as you can provide space and time to meet the children's needs. This is especially important when the children are young, most children need a lengthy 'settling in' period.
I don't own my
home?
Yes. You need to show that you have enough room to care for a
child or children, in a safe environment, whether you rent or own
your home.
I'm gay or a
lesbian?
Yes. Peterborough City Council is committed to equality of
opportunity and therefore we are primarily interested in the skills
and ability that you have to offer and not your sexuality.
I have a disability and/or
health problem?
Yes. Everyone who applies to adopt will need a medical as part of the assessment process to make sure that you have the ability to care for a child. If you are disabled or have a medical condition, our medical adviser will take these factors into consideration and make recommendations on your suitability.
Yes. Everyone who applies to adopt will need a medical as part of the assessment process to make sure that you have the ability to care for a child. If you are disabled or have a medical condition, our medical adviser will take these factors into consideration and make recommendations on your suitability.
I may be
overweight?
Yes. Being overweight can shorten your life expectancy, particularly if this is in association with other factors, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your weight with your family doctor at an early stage. Applicants may find they are advised to lose weight before their application can be taken up.
Yes. Being overweight can shorten your life expectancy, particularly if this is in association with other factors, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your weight with your family doctor at an early stage. Applicants may find they are advised to lose weight before their application can be taken up.
I have a criminal
conviction?
Yes. People who have a criminal record or have been cautioned can adopt a child. Much depends on the seriousness of the offence, how long ago since the crime was committed and how you have lived your life since. People with convictions for violent or sexual offences against children cannot adopt.
Yes. People who have a criminal record or have been cautioned can adopt a child. Much depends on the seriousness of the offence, how long ago since the crime was committed and how you have lived your life since. People with convictions for violent or sexual offences against children cannot adopt.
I already have children of my
own?
Yes. Your own children would be included in the assessment
process too, as they are so important in the family. Normally we
would only place an adoptive child who is younger than your birth
child.
I don't live in
Peterborough?
Yes. We welcome applications from those living outside
Peterborough but within reasonable travelling distance. Applicants
will need to travel to Peterborough for training, meetings and
introductions to the child.
I don't live in the
UK?
No. You must have had legal residency in the UK for at least
one year before applying to adopt a British child. This includes
British citizens and residents of the Republic of Ireland.